How does olive oil help?
Olive oil must be extracted by cold pressing, rather than by heat extraction, to maintain its active ingredients. This form of processing results in the product "extra-virgin" olive oil.
Taken internally, olive oil is soothing, nutritious and laxative. It has a positive effect on blood cholesterol, and protects against heart disease and cancer. Recent studies show that a slight reduction in saturated fat intake, along with the use of extra-virgin olive oil, markedly lowers daily dosage requirements for high blood pressure medication. A Greek study shows that those who take higher quantities of olive oil are less likely than others to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Olive oil protects the stomach and intestinal linings from gastric acid, so is useful in ulcers.